Renault KWID

Thinking about buying your first car? Or perhaps looking for a smart, budget-friendly upgrade? In India, buying a car involves considering many things: your budget, safety, running costs, latest features, and after-sales service. Amongst the popular entry-level hatchbacks, the new Renault KWID has consistently been a strong contender. Let's explore what makes the KWID a popular choice for Indian buyers.

Engine Specifications

The Renault KWID offers two fuel-efficient petrol engine options, ideal for city and occasional highway drives.

• 0.8L SCe Engine: A 3-cylinder unit suitable for urban commutes.
  • Power: 54 PS
  • Torque: 72 Nm
• 1.0L SCe Engine: Offers more power for better performance.
  • Power: 68 PS
  • Torque: 91 Nm

Design Overview

The Renault KWID stands out with its bold, SUV-inspired design.

Exterior Design

• SUV-like Stance: High ground clearance and muscular lines give it a mini-SUV look.
• Stylish Front: Features a striking grille, C-shaped LED DRLs, and split headlamp design.

Interior Design

• Spacious Cabin: Surprisingly roomy for its segment.
• Modern Touches: Dual-tone interior theme and a full digital instrument cluster.

Key Features

The KWID comes with several notable features for its price point:

• 8-inch Touchscreen Infotainment: MediaNAV Evolution with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay.
• Reverse Parking Camera: For easier parking.
• Digital Instrument Cluster: Clear display of driving info.
• Manual Air Conditioning
• Front Power Windows
• Keyless Entry

Please note, features like a sunroof, 360-degree camera, wireless charging, or automatic climate control are not offered in this segment.

Ground Clearance

• Ground Clearance: 184 mm

This high ground clearance is excellent for handling varied Indian road conditions.

Boot Space

• Boot Space: 279 litres

One of the largest boots in its class, offering ample space for luggage.

Dimensions

The KWID's compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver in city traffic.

• Length: 3731 mm
• Width: 1579 mm (without ORVMs)
• Height: 1474 mm (1490 mm with roof rails)
• Wheelbase: 2422 mm

Powertrain Options

Both engine options are available with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The 1.0L engine also offers an Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) for clutch-free driving convenience.

Safety Features

The KWID includes essential safety features:

• Dual Front Airbags
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Seat Belt Reminder
• Speed Alert System
• Reverse Parking Sensors

NCAP Rating Table

Here's how the Renault KWID performs in crash tests:

Rating Body	Adult Occupant Protection	Child Occupant Protection	Comments
Global NCAP (2020 Test)	1 Star	1 Star	Rating for the facelifted KWID with structural improvements and dual airbags.
Bharat NCAP	Not yet tested	Not yet tested	The Renault KWID has not yet been tested by Bharat NCAP.

Rivals of Renault KWID

The Renault KWID competes mainly with these popular hatchbacks:

• Maruti Suzuki Alto K10
• Maruti Suzuki Celerio

How is the Car? (Pros & Cons)

Pros

• Unique SUV-like Styling: Stands out from the crowd.
• High Ground Clearance: Excellent for Indian roads.
• Spacious Cabin & Boot: More room than many rivals.
• Feature-Rich for Price: Touchscreen infotainment with smartphone connectivity.
• Convenient AMT Option: Easy city driving.
• Good Fuel Efficiency.

Cons

• Global NCAP Safety Rating: The 1-star rating might be a concern for some.
• Engine Refinement: The 0.8L can feel underpowered and noisy.
• Basic Interior Plastics: Quality feels entry-level.
• Service Network: Not as widespread as Maruti Suzuki.

Conclusion

The Renault KWID is a compelling choice in the entry-level hatchback segment. It successfully blends distinctive, SUV-inspired styling with practicality, spaciousness, and a decent feature list, all offered at an accessible price. For first-time buyers, small families, or city commuters seeking a stylish, practical, and easy-to-drive car, the KWID certainly deserves a closer look.

While safety ratings are a key consideration, the KWID's overall package of design, features, and utility makes it a strong contender. We highly recommend a test drive to experience the Renault KWID first-hand and decide if it's the right car for your needs. Happy driving!